Climate change is often discussed in terms of rising temperatures, droughts, floods and extreme weather. Yet one of the world's most powerful climate regulators lies largely out of sight, quietly performing an indispensable service every day.

Earlier in the year, the African Union declared 2026 the Year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” In doing so, the continent elevated water and sanitation from basic service-delivery concerns to matters of strategic political priority.

One of the greatest challenges in scientific capacity development is not delivering programmes but measuring their long-term impact. Annual reports rightly celebrate the number of workshops delivered, early-career researchers trained, countries represented and certificates awarded. These metrics demonstrate that programmes reached their intended audiences and achieved their planned activities. However, they reveal little about whether those investments ultimately produce sustained scientific leadership.

Building an inclusive economy that creates jobs, expands business opportunities and improves the lives of all South Africans remains a central priority of the Seventh Administration. Government is pursuing a range of policies and programmes to accelerate economic growth, attract investment and unlock greater opportunities for businesses. Among these is Operation Vulindlela, a programme focused on removing barriers to economic growth and improving the performance of key sectors of the economy.

It is a sad reflection of our society that almost everyone knows or has heard of a woman who has experienced abuse, gender-based violence or femicide (GBVF). Sometimes we convince ourselves that such abuse occurs in the dark underbelly of society, or that it is far removed from our daily lives. Yet women are often harmed by people they know and trust – a husband, partner, superior, colleague, fellow church member, teacher or acquaintance.